Socialists want more ambitious climate and energy goals

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament regret that the compromise reached by heads of government yesterday set quite conservative targets on the reduction of CO2 emissions, renewable energy and improvement of energy efficiency. They also regret that the energy efficiency target is just indicative rather than binding.

Nessa Childers, Dublin MEP, and member of the Socialists and Democrats said: “The deal watered down an already conservative stance taken by the European Parliament in March. Our political grouping wanted a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions as compared to 1990 levels (it is feasible as we have already reached 18% of the 20% foreseen by the 2020 agenda), 45% renewables and 40% energy efficiency.

“We had already accepted a compromise with other political groups for a 40% reduction, 30% renewables and 30% energy-efficiency – all as binding targets! But even this parliamentary compromise has been diluted by the Council.

“We welcome the fact that these targets are the minimum levels required and that they can be modified after the UN Paris climate summit. So our group will work in the Parliament for more ambitious goals and we expect the Juncker Commission to prove by action that sustainability is, in fact, a priority.”
ENDS